Waxwing Farm Put the “Pro” in Produce

Opening day at the Everett Farmers Market’s was packed. The sunny waterfront hummed with strollers, dogs, pedestrians and bicyclists— all basking in the fresh seaside air.

I caught up with Waxwing Farm at their booth to chat about their work. This is their second year at the Everett Farmers Market.

Waxwing sells grow-your-own tomato plants, bunches of carrots, beets, scallions, lettuce, flowers, and more. All their goods are attractively displayed on brightly-colored tablecloths, spilling out of wooden crates. Their veggies look hearty and robust in a way that my homegrown produce just doesn’t.

These guys are the pros.

Organic farmer Taylor Bunker says he grew vegetables for three different farms before starting his own business. It’s now his seventh year farming for himself. Fellow Waxwing farmer Arielle Luckmann has been farming with Taylor for four years. Together they harvest vegetables and flowers from their land south of Mount Vernon in the Skagit Valley.

“I started a farm because I wanted to know about the tangibility of growing food— how that works,” says Taylor about the learning curve of becoming a modern farmer. “Once you know how that works it’s exciting to do.”

The tangibility of food is, of course, what many Farmers Market attendees are looking for. Something real and from the source. Something with actual dirt rather than food that’s been canned, processed, and packaged with additives.

The Everett Farmers Market is one outlet for Waxwing Farm’s multifaceted business. They also offer CSA boxes and operate a seasonal farmstand open to the public. You can learn more about their farm on their website.

Next time you’re at the market stop by the Waxwing Farm booth and say hi to Arielle and Taylor. And don’t forget the fresh flowers!

Follow Waxwing Farm, LLC on social media @waxwingfarmllc

RICHARD PORTER – EVERETT LOVERRichard Porter is a writer and musician. He lives in North Everett with his wife and two children. His favorite local activities include running on Marine View Drive, bicycling down tree-lined streets, and trying to coax vegetables out of his yard. He also works for Live in Everett as the Blog and Contributor Manager, and we’re stoked to have him.